Greater Manchester will just about escape the worst of violent winds set to batter the north later this week, forecasters predict.
A yellow weather warning for 'very strong winds' has been issued for most of the north and Scotland on Wednesday and Thursday.
According to the Met Office, gusts are expected to cause travel disruption and could even bring down some trees and power lines.
Strong winds could even cause a 'danger to life', and snowfall is a possibility across Scotland and Northern Ireland on Wednesday and Thursday.
READ MORE Half-term weather forecast for Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester will be windy, but is expected to escape major gusts, which are predicted to hit speeds of 90mph in some areas.
If the weather pattern is designated as a storm it will be called Storm Dudley.
All areas north of Leeds are predicted to be hit by the storm.
Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible and various roads closed, the Met Office has warned.
Met Office forecaster Tom Morgan told The Mirror : "Wind will be the primary cause for concern next week.
"It's still a way away, hence why we have only issued a yellow weather warning.
"There is the potential for us to issue an amber warning and for it to become a named storm.
"We haven't named it today as it is 72 hours away or more. But if we have more confidence this time tomorrow we may.
"It would be named Storm Dudley. It will bring damaging winds and cause disruption to power networks, ferry crossings and travel."
The Met Office's yellow wind alert will be in force from 6pm on Wednesday until the same time on Thursday.
